costco seems to be the place for first time chip buyers. 2 years ago i bought a set of 500 11.5g "suited" chips for $150ish CDN after shipping, it was a great deal at the time. Now you can go to Costco, get chips that are of about equal value for like 40 or 50 bucks, no shipping, etc.
i highly recommend a deck of copags as well, they are the most reasonable plastic card and cannot be beat for the money.
www.cardsbycopag.com be sure to check em out.